Mama Gets Trashed (A Mace Bauer Mystery) by Deborah Sharp Read Free Book Online Page B

surprised, I choked on my Coke. An errant swallow started a coughing fit, which didn’t subside until Jason was back at the cash register in the pro shop. Angel handed me a napkin.
    “Do you know anything about that?’’ I finally managed to ask.
    “The mayor?”
    I nodded, the napkin pressed to my lips.
    “Tosses his clubs and swears like a sailor whenever he makes a bad shot, which is a lot.’’
    “I meant about him and Kenny.”
    She shrugged. “Neither of them is a very good player, so they’re evenly matched. It’s just a round of golf. It’s not like they’re best friends. At least I don’t think they are. I barely know your brother-in-law.’’
    My mind refused to form an image of Kenny golfing with Himmarshee’s mayor. Then again, I hadn’t been able to picture him cheating on my sister or wearing that plaid tam-o’-shanter cap, either.
    “The mayor’s wife comes out here a lot, too,’’ Angel said. “Her book group meets right over there.’’ She nodded at a round table for ten in the center of the dining room. Couples were beginning to filter in for dinner.
    “She runs the group?’’ I asked.
    Angel raised her brows. “Have you met Mrs. In-Charge?’’
    “’Nuff said.’’
    “She’s always spouting off about some ‘important’ book, tossing around a lot of big words like character arc and narrative tension. I don’t understand half of what she says. Of course, that could be because … ’’ She cocked back her head and made the hand motion for drinking.
    “She’s a boozer?’’ I asked.
    “Big time. And the more she drinks, the more she likes to hear herself talk.’’ Angel took a swallow of Coke from the glass Jason left. “I’m not much for reading anyway. My dad always used to say street smarts are better than book smarts.’’
    “They aren’t mutually exclusive. Reading’s not just a way to learn about things, it’s a great way to escape reality. Get into an imaginary world.’’
    “I don’t need to escape. How about you, Mace? Do you like to try new things? Escape your usual world?’’ Her voice had gone all low again. She reached across the table and stroked my wrist.
    I pulled away and held up my hand to display the ring Carlos gave me. “I’m engaged.’’
    “That’s all right. Maybe your fiancé would like to come out here and play, too?’’
    I suspected she wasn’t talking about golf. Ducking her question, I looked at my watch. Those sharp eyes of hers didn’t miss the gesture. She pushed back her chair and stood.
    “My shift’s over. The dinner crew is coming on, and I’m going home. Sorry I couldn’t be more help.’’
    Her apology sounded more reflexive than genuine. I dug in my pocket; found a damp ten-dollar bill. I put it on her tray. “Keep the change.’’
    Her face lit up. No smirk or seduction now. It was the first truly happy smile I’d seen from her. Money was clearly a strong motivator for Angel Fox.
    ten

    After I left the bar, I roamed around a bit, waiting to see if Kenny would wander in to the country club. I perused some golf-related art: a bronze sculpture of two old-timey looking players, bags slung over their shoulders; framed posters of greens and fairways at legendary courses; portraits of famous golfers from Ben Hogan to Bubba Watson.
    I checked out the driving range, and then made a pit stop in the ladies’ locker room. Its plush carpet was Kelly green, patterned with miniature golf balls and clubs. The place was immaculate. I didn’t detect a whiff of sweat. It smelled sweet, like vanilla candles and maraschino cherries. The sink countertop offered an array of folded hand towels, fancy body lotion, and complimentary combs. I popped one into my purse, preparation for the next morning I left the house without remembering to brush my hair.
    Outside, I caught up with a few phone calls. I confirmed with Mama that I’d see her for church in the morning; and then checked on Maddie. Kenny still hadn’t come